In Pa. gov’s race, Onorato says it’s unlikely lawmakers will reach accord on natural gas tax

Onorato doubts lawmakers can agree on drilling tax

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato said Wednesday he doubts lawmakers will agree on the terms for a new tax on natural gas drilling this year, meaning the politically contentious issue would be handed off to the next governor and Legislature.

Onorato spoke with reporters after making a speech to about 100 senior citizen advocates in Harrisburg.

The House passed a severance tax bill last week, but leaders of the Senate Republican majority say the rate is higher than they can accept. The Senate leaders also have requested a legal opinion on the constitutionality of the House bill, as the number of scheduled legislative days dwindles.

“I really doubt they’re going to pass anything,” Onorato said.

Onorato says voters will have a clear choice in the Nov. 2 election between his plan to tax the underground gas reserves at a competitive rate to raise money for environmental protection, while GOP nominee Tom Corbett opposes any new tax.

Corbett, the state attorney general, has been airing a campaign TV ad in some parts of the state that charges Onorato supports a “massive energy tax” that would cause job losses and increase utility bills. Onorato said it’s a desperate move because Corbett’s position is at odds with GOP governors in the 20 other gas drilling states, which he said all have such taxes.

“Tom Corbett is out of touch. He just doesn’t get it,” said Onorato, the elected executive of Allegheny County. “It’s a shame and disgraceful that he’s pushing the industry’s agenda here as opposed to protecting the environment and letting the industry grow in a responsible way.”